This place has the best , most authentic Pakistani and northern Indian food that I've ever had in the States. And the price is too good to be true! The people are very friendly if you talk to them and very generous. (Don't worry it is normal culture for Pakistani men not to smile at strangers :) In my opinion they can increase the price of everything by $1 and spend on the upkeep at the back, not that is bad, but could benefit from a little remodeling. read more

Had my first meal here (take out). My son brought it to me for Father's day. We (four of us) passed a portion of everything around the table. Everything was divine. While I definitely have concerns about multiple people complaining about the cleanliness, I know the difference between 'dirty' and 'unhealthy' and will have to judge for myself. But so far, so good. As for the reviewer who wanted her meal 'mild'. I'm sorry if you were made to feel that they were being rude, perhaps they were, I wasn't there to judge. But perhaps they were frustrated that you came to a Paki restaurant for mild food. The idea that you as a customer have anything to do with how traditional dishes are prepared is a uniquely American idea that hopefully will never catch on. If you don't like their style of food, why are you here? You have wisely chosen not to be. read more

I Like how down home this place is - tiny inside with a lot of packed in tables, and one guy serving and a few busboys too. The kitchen is exposed and the food is cooked up right there and the tandoori chicken i had came sizzling to my table. Very nice low key vibe (maybe it's always like that out in Berkeley?) but it was relaxing and the food was nice and tasty - not over spicy but just right for me. Of course I love hot and spicy foods and I only had one dish but it was delish... read more

Kabana Restaurant - tandoori chicken - Indian Near Me - Berkeley, California

We had the chicken tikka masala, tandoori chicken and garlic naan. The food was great; on par with some of the better Indian joints in the Bay Area. Lots of sauce in the CTM - perfect for naan dipping/smothering. Prices were very reasonable. The only thing that kept this from being 5-stars was the atmosphere --- and possibly a deep cleaning. read more

Kabana Restaurant - Tandoori chicken. - Indian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Very dirty, food greasy and not better than Trader Joe's frozen foods. Very greasy and the Owner is extremely rude ! Do not go there.

Absolutely fantastic food. My favorite tandoori place, and I love tandoori. The guys who work there are definitely characters. If you want a cheap visit to Pakistan, go to Kabana!!! The negative is that it's the dirtiest restaurant I've ever seen. It looks like three college students have been living there, with no visitors... for years. If you want to see how the sausage is made, look inside the kitchen. It is entertainingly bad. TBH, I didn't think their cleanliness it was a serious issue, pre-covid, but I'm pretty confident that if one of the staff gets COVID, you will get it too. They're not careful people, but they make amazing food and even better Tandoori. read more

Meh. Not sure if I went on an off day but I was not impressed. The restaurant is a nice size with very simple decor. Cleanliness is questionable, but I'll give it benefit of the doubt. Service isn't great, but not terrible. The water doesn't come with ice. Lol. So just ask for a cup of ice if you like cold water. They first give you a "salad" which consists of cucumber and onions. This is a nice gesture but not much of a salad imo. The cucumbers were kind of limp, like they've been out for a while. The plates are huge for some reason and even though we had a big table, it was hard to fit all of our dishes. The first dish was my boyfriend's chicken curry. It was bland and so oily to the point that it wasn't curry anymore. There's a little kick to it, but that might be from the oil. Its not very hygienic that the garlic nann is not cut up and is presented as a big circle. So you have to peel off a piece when you want nann; the idea of sharing is great though. This was actually very good. It's nice and crispy. Garlic not too overwhelming. My chicken tikka masala was bland! I was so disappointed as this is one of my favorite dishes. The usual lovely spices weren't present and the dish was kind of on the cold side. The chicken was over cooked and hard to bite. The consistency was curry like but the flavors just weren't there. The chai tea did not impress either. I know it doesn't come sweetened but the spices did not really come through like in other chais that I have had. Lesson learned; I won't be coming back. I guess it's not fair when you have found the BEST Indian restaurant in the east bay already and compare every other place to it. Masala cuisine in east Oakland is the best kept secret. Go try it please. You won't regret it. read more

This first time I visited Kabana it was a hardcore hole in the wall. Everything was completely run down, but a couple years ago they put up a mural and bought some new tables and chairs. Viola, it's now a nice hole in the wall. Nice or not the food is LEGIT! The best thing on the menu that I have experienced is the tandoori chicken. I prefer it on the bone because the meat has WAY more flavor, but the boneless is good also. It's succulent, well spiced, and packed full of flavor. It single handedly keeps Kabana at the top of my list of indian food and I've tried some highly ranked ones in the bay/SF. You would be a fool not to order it. The Chicken tikka misala is a rich and creamy curry. I've had the palak paneer on 2 occasions. One time it was good and the other time it was terrible. The lamb curry was respectable as well as a couple other ones I've tried. The naan has come burnt a time or two, but for the most part is top notch. To add to the authenticity of this place they always got some ridiculous bollywood movie playing or strange indian music video. It's hard not to get entranced by it. I would probably wash the clothes I wore a couple times and while at it take an intense shower because you'll be emitting the smells of india. They aren't perfect, but when on point it's an absolute grand slam! read more

See all

Very dirty and guy taking order was very rude. Same man was having a very humiliating conversation with someone who appeared to be his employee in front of customers. This was not my first time here. Very good experience several years ago but not the case any more. Very disappointing. Also, No staff in the kitchen/back appeared to be wearing a mask. read more

Good tasting food but lousy customer service. Decent prices, also. The floor was dirty, I mean very dirty! Trash & leaves. It's one of those whole-in-the-wall places that we all know of. You don't go there for ambience or friendly service - it's ALL about the food! read more

I love this place. Their food is amazing! I've ordered: the paratha, the lamb kebab, the tikka masala, the karahi lamb, and the aloo mutter. Everything was spiced perfectly and so flavorful. My go-to Indian spot, for sure. read more

Loved this place. I got garlic nan and chicken tikka masala curry. Delicious. My husband got goat curry (not my thing but he loved it). The mint sauce was delicious as well. Over all if I lived in this hood rather then just visiting I'd be back read more

Kabana Restaurant - Garlic nan and chicken Tikka masala - Indian Near Me - Berkeley, California

How have we missed this place?!! We have been in a rut since restarting to eat out after Covid and I told Mr. Hungry we need to find something new. I researched and so we tried Kabana last night. He likes spicy and I want the option to go mild and it worked for both of us. Lots of to go orders were moving out the door (good sign) but there were only about four tables taken when we arrived. They are spaced well, and all were full by the time we left. Dinner was a m a z I n g!! He ordered Karachi goat and rice and I ordered chicken tikka and a spinach w/ potato dish and we ordered plain naan. Everything was delicious! Can't wait to go back and order new things! Portions are big and sizzling platters of lamb, chicken and other goodies with fried onions, etc were giving out an amazing nose bouquet at the table next to us. No booze but you can have that before or after, just don't miss this food! read more

Kabana is a go-to spot of my household. Super authentic food, delicious, and never heavy. Our favorites are the Chicken Boti, Dal, and Shwami Kabab. read more

Like others I'm not sure if this place deserves 4 stars. We ordered Karhi chicken, garlic naan and tandoori fish. The chicken was good but tandoori fish was blend and the fish had smell. Omg they need close for few days and clean their kitchen, hallway and restroom. It's filthy and greasy everywhere. I don't know how they are still in business. read more

Lunch at Kabana new larger location was great! Started with cucumbers and red onions with mint sauce. Then Lamb curry, Lamb tandoori and naan bread which soaks up the curry sauce very nicely! Left this establishment very satisfied and full. read more

Kabana Restaurant - Lamb tandoori - Indian Near Me - Berkeley, California

The fish tandoori is the best. It's so soft, it will melt when you eat it. Other must try items are the: tandoori lamb chop, dry chicken tikka, and butter chicken. Ambience and decor is not the best so you may want to get take out. Overall, they have authentic and quality food. Would recommend if you are in the mood for tandoori cuisine. Also, only street parking but that is expected in. Berkeley. read more

The place smells like a public bathroom, but the food is good. The employees are completely inapt and have zero customer service skills. However, the food is good. read more

Kabana is a hidden gem, and I wish I had learned about it years ago! Their Chicken Tikka Masala is the best I have ever eaten, and the Tandoori Chicken is moist and tender every time. Also, they definitely give you a good portion for the price! read more

Pretty poor service. Waited so long for my check that I got hungry again. Karahi goat was pretty greasy and, while affordable, fairly meager in portion size. read more

The worst customer service ever! We waited 20 minutes for a table and no one at the restaurant had the courtesy to come and tell us what the waiting time is even though tables were free. I feel sorry as an Indian that people from my country which is known for its hospitality are so rude to its customers. read more

Considering the relatively low prices, the portion sizes are pretty good! I had the garlic naan, Aloo gobi and chicken curry, and everything was absolutely delicious. I ordered with them directly over the phone and it was ready in less than 10 mins. I'd definitely order again. read more

RACIST, RUDE if you're Indian or Pakistani or white, they'll serve you right away, otherwise be aware for the crappiest treatment you'll ever experience. My family of 3 walk in and the waiter points to where we'll sit. Once seated down, the waiter literally throws the menu on our table and walks away - no eye contact or hello's said. Okay??? Hm maybe he's having a bad day? Not nice either way but we understand waiters have it tough so gave him the benefit of the doubt at that point. But then while we're sitting there, we observe others coming in that speak the same language as him or who are white who get different treatment. People coming in 10-15 minutes AFTER are getting their orders in and drinks served. After we finally get attention, only by waiving him down, and our orders in, we had to wait twice as long for our food than others. At that point I told my husband we should get up and leave but he reminded me that our 5 year old is already hungry and that having to find a new restaurant and waiting for our order would take even longer. Still, our biggest mistake was allowing this treatment and not just getting up to leave. The only reason why we got served our food even later was because someone else who worked behind the counter noticed we were being ignored and literally pointed to our table and said something to our waiter in their language- which prompted our waiter to drag himself to the kitchen and get our food. How is he allowed to work there when his mistreatment is so apparent? Don't count on the place being that clean either - there's other reasons I'm not going back but their discrimination is more than enough. read more

I have been eating in this restaurant little over 30 years finely decided to post review if you in market for authentic Indian or pakistani food go no further food is prepared like back home taste the same with tons of spices owner works every day to make sure quality is controlled . Staff is very friendly always willing to help with food order due to lack of knowledge of some new customers . Reason I did not give 5 star the restroom are not suitable for all customers witch is very commen in this type of restaurants other than that I recommend must try this place at least once. read more

This place has good food but with reservations. They don't have alio (potato) naan which is a staple. Their goat and chicken Marsala are superb. However they gave me an order of lentils (daal) which were ice cold straight out of the refrigerator. It's real frustrating even if you can return to have the hassle of ice cold food. It shows they didn't care. I'm going to a different place for Indian food in oakland as I wasted money with them. read more

This is one of the worst dining experiences I've had in a long time. The customer service was awful and everyone looked miserable. The food didn't take very longer to make, but it had a horrible odor to it that made it inedible. It smelled like a dirty sponge and I couldn't get that taste out of my mouth. I ate a few bites and wanted to leave without paying after being unable to eat my food. My friend insisted we stayed. Today I feel nauseous and queazy. And I've thrown up a couple of times. So, I'm guessing it's food poisoning from unsanitary food preparation practices from this place. read more

After eating the food, I went to use the rest room. On my way back to my table, I looked inside the kitchen and I couldn't believe my eyes!!!! It was nasty!!! My husband and I both were sick after eating there. Very sick. I suggest taking a look into the kitchen before ordering your food read more

What a surprise! I ended up in this part of town after doing a photo shoot nearby at the Marina last Sunday night. We found free parking on the street just a block away. Food prices were extremely reasonable for the large portions - I feel like it's been a while since I've seen a bowl of curry go for less than $10. For two people, I'd recommend 1 naan bread each, split a bowl of curry, and split an entree. Or instead of naan, you could do an order of basmati rice. Our group of 4 ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala, 2 orders of the Chicken Boti, and Palak Paneer with naan bread (Tandoori which is the plain one, and Garlic naan). Everything tasted great. But just a warning, they did not ask how spicy/mild we wanted our dishes, and since we came less than an hour before closing, I didn't want to make any special requests, so I ordered as is. The curry was a little spicy, but I could handle it; but for those that don't take to heat too well, may want to inquire if mild or non-spicy versions of their dishes are available. Service was standard - nothing stellar to write about. Our food came out quickly, but we didn't receive water refills that often (or at all..? I can't remember now.) Also, when we ordered our naan bread and I requested the tandoori, our waitstaff basically said to me, "Uhh.. well.. that one is really plain and boring.." I have GERD, and already knew I was going to be eating something spicy, I *wanted* something plain to go with it. I insisted on ordering it anyway. I don't know when's the next time I'll be in this part of Berkeley, but I'd consider coming back again to Kabana. Highly recommend. read more

Great food! Great people. Going there for years and love it! The ambiance can be improved but you don't go here to impress your date, rather to have just great food. Their tandoori fish is delish! read more

Owner was extremely rude and food was underwhelming. Prices matched the quality of the food tho it was pretty cheap not gonna lie.

Food was good, however, entree portion sizes were inconsistent. The service was odd in the sense it was hard to tell who worked there. No uniform - and the staff were in varying levels of being dressed up. So each time a staff person approached us - it was weird bc it would take a moment to realize it was a staff and not just a friendly random stranger. We had 3 different people come over at different parts of the meal to take orders or check on us. read more

Great food ! Been coming here for years ! Service is always friendly and fast. Love this place so much. read more

Kabana Restaurant - Indian Near Me - Berkeley, California

This place is the place to be of you want to taste authentic Indian food. Try the tasty tandoori fish it is out of this world, with the herbs and spices it is a must try and don't forget the fresh baked naan or breads. read more

It might look like you stepped into a third world country as you walk into the restaurant, however when the food gets on the table it takes you for a ride of flavors and warmth of the culture. read more

Tried the chicken biryani got up and left. Rice was mushy and tasted gross barely any flavor. What a shame. But for me if it is not good I will not pay. Gross . Atleast I know for future reference. It was probably the worst biryani I've ever tasted!!! read more

Came with family, food was cold and it tasted like microwaved left overs. Service was horrible too. Have had better Indian food- will not be coming here again. read more

This place is phenomenal! My family and I decided to go to Berkeley to shop for fobby Indian wedding clothes and of course we had to get the full experience so we wanted to eat Indian food as well. I was starving so while the ladies shopped I hopped on yelp to find a good restaurant and Kabana had great ratings. I also snapchatted the menu and few friends replied and said it is the best Indian/Pakistani food they have had in the area. **We ordered tandoori chicken legs, chicken tikka masala, and chicken biriyani** Everything was perfect and nobody had anything bad to say. The only things my parents found odd was that they could be a bit rude and throw your plate while they are bringing your food out, but I then explained to them that back in India and Pakistan that is how they service. Therefore if anything its cool because we are getting the full overseas experience. (plus you do not go to these places for the service) read more

They have the best paratha ever!!! The lamb curry is really good too. When I got it to go, they included way more lamb than when my friend and I ate there. My friend and I were not impressed with the chana masala (chick peas) nor with the saag (spinach). We had left overs and didn't take them home. I wasn't impressed with the peas-potato dish either. When it comes to veggies, this is not my place of choice. For paratha it definitely is. read more

Food is very good, especially the tandoori lamb chops. But the place is not clean, hope the owner can clean up this place little bit

Worst service ever got , not sure how they are still opened, no food quality or cleanliness in the entire area including washroom or and dinning area(God bless Kitchen area) never will come back or recommend anyone to go there, Person on reception rude and doesn't know how to communicate to customers, they even didn't deliver the complete order...Please don't go read more